Resolution 260863

Title Honoring and recognizing Mental Health Partnerships, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, for advancing mental health, recovery, and peer-led support for the people of Philadelphia for three quarters of a century. Body WHEREAS, Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) was founded in Philadelphia in 1951, and for seventy-five years has worked to improve the lives of people living with mental health conditions and to build communities where every person can recover and thrive; and WHEREAS, MHP is a proud affiliate of Mental Health America, the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and preventing mental illness; and WHEREAS, MHP pioneered and continues to champion peer support, the practice of people with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges helping others along their own path to recovery; and WHEREAS, MHP has been instrumental in developing Philadelphia's Certified Peer Specialist workforce, a profession that brings hope, dignity, and proven results to people receiving behavioral health services across the City; and WHEREAS, MHP delivers programs and services such as peer support, drop-in and recovery centers, warmline, family and youth support, and workforce training that reach more than 13,000 individuals each year; and WHEREAS, MHP partners with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), community organizations, and City leaders to strengthen Philadelphia's behavioral health system; and WHEREAS, MHP has been a steadfast voice in Harrisburg, Washington, and Philadelphia City Hall, advocating for sustainable behavioral health funding, Medicaid access, and the full civic participation of people with mental health conditions; and WHEREAS, The staff, peer specialists, volunteers, and board members of MHP have reduced stigma, saved lives, and shown that recovery is possible for every Philadelphian; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and recognizes Mental Health Partnerships on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, and thanks its leadership, staff, peer specialists, and volunteers for 75 years of service, advocacy, and hope for the people of Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Mental Health Partnerships as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. End